Samara (Russia) July 3 (IANS) Brazil coach Tite refused to criticise striker Neymar after an incident in which the Brazil striker appeared to once again be guilty of over-reacting following a possible incident on the touchline in the second half of Brazil s 2-0 win over Mexico to book their place in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Neymar needed four minutes treatment after clutching his shin following a possible aggression by Mexican substitute Miguel Layun although TV replays show that any contact if I existed was extremely slight reports Xinhua news agency.

"I saw what happened everyone who is watching and you can see the image " said Tite before praising the forward who scored the opening goal in their 2-0 win over Mexico.

"Neymar was out of action for three and a half months that is a lot at the top level. A top-level player needs 4 or 5 matches to recover he played well in the last game and today he repeated his excellence " he said.

Neymar was also asked about the incident but preferred not to discuss it saying he felt accusations of play-acting were "an attempt to undermine me."

"I don t care about criticism or praise because that can influence your attitude. I haven t talked to the press because I don t want controversy " he said in the post-game press conference

Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio had earlier slammed Neymar for his attitude although he refused to name him specifically.

"I think it is a disgrace for the game that you lose so much time for one single player...I don t think that is a good example for football or followers of football. It is a game for tough people and not to act like a clown " said Osorio.

Meanwhile Tite was pleased with Brazil s performance saying; "We had 21 chances it was a great game and I really enjoyed it. Our transitions were really quick."

He also had praise for winger Willian who set up Neymar for the first goal and was a massive influence in the second half.

"Willian has been playing really well sometimes he suffers tactically it s not that he has too much work but he does a lot but in the second half today he was allowed to shine " said the Brazil boss.

--IANS ajb/